The dish has a scalloped rim, which gives it a flower-like appearance. The wavy edges are characteristic of the Song dynasty ceramics, often inspired by natural forms such as flowers. It has a pale, almost translucent blue-green glaze, typical of Qingbai ware from the Song dynasty. This type of glaze is highly valued for its smooth and delicate finish, which often resembles jade.
Period : Southern Song-Yuan Dynasty(12th-14th century)
Type : Dish
Medium : Qingbai
Size : 3.3cm(Height), 13.3cm(Diameter)
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Christies New York 21–22 SEP 2023 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 1020
(Price realised : 6,930 USD / Type : related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6439824
2) Sotheby's Newyork 27 September 2021 - Junkunc: Chinese Art - Lot 557
(Price realised : 11,340 USD / Type : related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/junkunc-chinese-art/a-small-qingbai-floriform-dish-southern-song
3) Christies Hongkong 3 JUN 2015 - The Imperial Sale & Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 3208
(Price realised : HKD 175,000 / Type : related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5902926
* Qingbai Ware
Qingbai ware, which translates to "blue-white ware," is a type of Chinese porcelain that was made at the Jingdezhen and other kilns in the porcelain-producing regions of China, primarily during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and continuing into the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). It is known for its translucent quality and the pale blue-green glaze that characterizes most of its pieces.
The qingbai glaze was achieved using a small amount of iron in a reduction-fired atmosphere, which produced the subtle blue-green tint. The body of qingbai ware is typically made of a fine, white porcelain that is often referred to as 'artificial jade' due to its resemblance to the esteemed stone. The thinness of the body and the high firing temperatures used contributed to the translucent quality of the finished product.
Qingbai ware includes a range of items such as bowls, cups, vases, and ewers. The designs are usually simple and elegant, with an emphasis on the graceful lines and form of the objects. Decorative motifs, when present, are often incised, carved, or molded in relief and can include floral patterns, dragons, phoenixes, and other symbolic elements drawn from Chinese culture.
Over time, the technology and techniques used to produce qingbai ware evolved, leading to innovations in glaze and decoration that would influence later types of Chinese porcelain. Despite these changes, qingbai ware remains a distinguished example of the potters' art in Song and Yuan China, reflecting the refined aesthetic and cultural values of the period.
